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A Fine Spring Morning 1. A Fine Spring Morning Pete Malinverni, Todd Coolman, Leroy Williams |
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Reviews: Scott Yanow, All Music Guide - 4 stars “A pure, sweet, full and strong voice that is well suited to interpreting jazz standards. She always swings, her subtle improvising makes her interpretations seem personal and she knows how to tell a story. None of the songs have been overplayed through the years but, even if they were warhorses, these renditions are fresh... all dozen selections are enjoyable.”
Christopher Loudon, JAZZTIMES “Three years ago, in reviewing Jody Sandhaus’ sophomore disc I Think of You, I accused the lovely-voiced Sandhaus of limited emotional sincerity. Now, with the release of her third album any disconnect between her head and heart seems not only to have diminished but disappeared entirely. Leaning toward standards with an optimistic bent(Deed I Do, Can’t Help Singing, Duke Ellington’s I Like the Sunrise, Matt Dennis’ breezy Relax) with occasional side trips down darker paths (a superb charcoal-and-purple All or Nothing at All and an intriguingly clear-eyed reading of Peggy Lee’s typically misty There’ll Be Another Spring) Sandhaus demonstrates estimably fresh depth and maturity. Downy, introspective interpretations of such typically bouncy anthems as Steve Allen’s Picnic and Bob Haymes’ title track are standouts, as is a keenly intelligent treatment of Love Look Away that fully captures the tricky pairing of despondence and acuity requisite to the Rodgers and Hammerstein ballad’s delicate power.”
Michael P. Gladstone, All About Jazz “In the eternal search for new and exciting jazz vocalists, Jody Sandhaus is a good name to know, especially in light of the fact that this is her third album. Sandhaus has a cool and detached delivery that evokes the dification of the 1950's femme jazz vocalist. When she sings, There'll Be Another Spring, it is distinctly the same way that Peggy Lee performed it without any sense of imitation. Sandhaus daringly opens with A Fine Spring Morning...a perfect jazz piece with hooks, wit and sophistication. Deed I Do, on the other hand, is treated to an uptempo delivery with an assured handling and scat delivery on the break. Pete Malinverni is the sensitive pianist for this session and provides lyrical and sure-footed playing, while veterans Todd Coolman and Leroy Williams keep the beat and sizzle going.” David Miele, JAZZ IMPROV "With her new release Jody Ssandhaus proves herself to be not only a first rate jazz singer, but an artist that is aware of who she is and where she fits within today's jazz scene. By staying true to her own musical identity, Sandhaus has produced a record of higher quality than can ever be achieved trying to imitate someone else, or going for the current "hot sound". As much a result of her artistic integrity as her vocal skills, A Fine Spring Morning is nothing short of a fine jazz release." George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon- 4 stars "Jody approaches a menu of both familiar standards and neglected gems with style and savoir faire. Steve Allen's Picnic; Peggy Lee's gorgeous ballad, There'll Be Another Spring; Duke Ellington's rarely heard I Like The Sunrise are just a few of the winners on a well performed album featuring tunes that prove Ms. Sandhaus has done her homework."
Dan McClenaghan, TOP TEN of 2004 - All About Jazz “A gorgeous voice and flawless delivery - its been a great year for lady vocalists, but this is the finest I've heard this year. She can sing with a hint of angelic innocence or lay down the lyrics like the devil's sitting on her shoulder, with an instrument that makes achingly beautiful sounds-just listen to the ending of Deed I Do, when she scats (she's got that angel thing going again here) into the string of one syllable words. Sandhaus goes after some of the great songwriters-Ellington, Cole Porter, Hammerstein/Kern-but it's their lesser known tunes she's chosen. Some real surprises are heard-Steve Allen's Picnic and Ellington's I Like the Sunrise, which rolls in a relaxed groove, showcasing Sandhaus' voice in a straightforward mode, completely lacking in affectation-just a beautiful song, sung beautifully. A truly outstanding effort! Vocal jazz doesn't get any better.
Perfect backing, nimble and understated, with Malinverni showing a wonderful
light touch for small, exquisite embellishments at the end of the singer's
phrases. And the sound: Rudy Van Gelder. Enough said? " Bruce Crowther " This very attractive album enhances her secure reputation among the discerning fans of quality jazz singing. This CD could well be the one that makes the breakthrough into international acceptance and acclaim. Those of you who have encountered Jody before now will need no further urging to add this to your collection."
Joe Lang, New Jersey Jazz Society - TOP TEN LIST for 2004 “She is simply a fine singer with good taste in material, a nice jazz sensibility and the wisdom to surround herself with excellent musicians. Pete Malinverni, Todd Coolman and Leroy Williams are as supportive, swinging, and elegant as one could desire. The title track sets a high standard that is maintained throughout the disc. The truth is that there is not a weak cut among the 12 selections. This is one of those albums that will make your friends take notice, and ask, “who is that singer.” Just smile and say Jody Sandhaus.”
Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation "She is genuinely impressive…my favorite track is Deed I Do, probably because its got some really funky underpinnings by Pete Malinverni, Todd Coolman and Leroy Williams. A sweet jazz experience that both old-time jazzheads and "newbies" will find attractive; super recording with crystal clarity. This seems to be a great year for jazz vocalists. Jody is clearly a standout in that league.”
George W. Carroll, Jazzreview.com "Jody Sandhaus plies us viably with vocal talent, charm, and production prowess. She's a keeper." Len Dobbin, Montreal Mirror, “A wonderful outing by an excellent singer” Bob Morello, Pittsburgh Post - Gazette, “Jody takes the dozen songs and makes them her own”. Top 10 Vocal Jazz Discs 2004, Cape Fear Jazz Appreciation Society
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